Classification of Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency Using Clinical and Confocal Grading.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To grade the severity of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) based on the extent of clinical presentation and central corneal basal epithelial cell density (BCD).

Methods

This is a retrospective observational comparative study of 48 eyes of 35 patients with LSCD and 9 eyes of 7 normal subjects (controls). Confocal images of the central cornea were acquired. A clinical scoring system was created based on the extent of limbal and corneal surface involvement. LSCD was graded as mild, moderate, and severe stages based on the clinical scores. The degree of BCD reduction was given a score of 0 to 3.

Results

Compared with BCD in controls, BCD decreased by 23.0%, 40.4%, and 69.5% in the mild, moderate, and severe stages of LSCD classified by the clinical scoring system

SUBMITTER: Aravena C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6279551 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature